[with obj.](poetic/literary)be a sign of (诗/文)是…的迹象,标志 she wondered his cold, level gaze betokened indifference or anger. 她不知道他那冷漠、逼视的眼神是漠不关心还是气愤。 ■be a warning or indication of (a future event) 预示 the falling comet betokened the true end of Merlin's powers. 坠落的彗星预示着默林权威的真正终结。
语源
Old English betācnian, from be- (as an intensifier)+ tācnian 'signify', of Germanic origin; related to token